Second Range wide Dolphin Survey Launched Under Project Dolphin

India has started the second range wide Dolphin Survey under Project Dolphin from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh. The nationwide exercise aims to estimate dolphin populations in rivers and coastal regions. Conducted in two phases, the survey will help understand species status, habitat conditions and threats, supporting stronger conservation planning for India’s riverine and estuarine dolphins.

Why in News?

The second range wide Dolphin Survey has been launched across India. It is being conducted under Project Dolphin to update dolphin population estimates and conservation data.

What Is Project Dolphin?

• Project Dolphin is a national conservation initiative of the Government of India focused on protecting riverine and marine dolphins.
• It aims to conserve species like the Gangetic River Dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal.
• The project focuses on habitat protection, scientific monitoring, community participation and reducing threats such as pollution and accidental fishing deaths.
• Dolphin health is seen as an indicator of river ecosystem health, making Project Dolphin crucial for broader freshwater conservation.

Who Is Conducting the Survey?

• The survey is being coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• It is a scientific exercise involving wildlife experts and field teams.
• The ministry stated that the survey will collect data not only on dolphin numbers but also on habitat quality, human pressures and ecological threats.
• The findings will guide future policy and conservation action under Project Dolphin.

Survey Coverage and Phases

• The dolphin survey will be conducted in two phases.
• In the first phase, teams will cover the main stem of the Ganga from Bijnor to Ganga Sagar, along with the Indus River.
• The second phase will extend to the Brahmaputra, tributaries of the Ganga, the Sundarbans region, and parts of Odisha. This wide coverage ensures a comprehensive assessment of dolphin habitats across India.

Species Covered in the Survey

• The survey will assess the status of multiple dolphin species, including the Indus River Dolphin and Irrawaddy Dolphin, in addition to the Gangetic Dolphin.
• Apart from population counts, the study will examine habitat condition, threats such as pollution and fishing, and associated conservation-priority species.
• This holistic approach helps understand ecosystem-level challenges rather than focusing on a single species.

Importance of Dolphin Surveys

• Dolphins are considered indicator species, meaning their presence reflects the health of river and coastal ecosystems.
• Declining dolphin numbers often signal rising pollution, reduced water flow or habitat degradation.
• Updated population estimates help authorities measure the success of conservation efforts and identify urgent problem areas.
• The survey will strengthen science-based planning, ensuring targeted action to protect rivers and biodiversity.

River Dolphin Species in India

Species	Habitat	Conservation Status (IUCN & WPA Schedule)	Key Features & Threats
Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)	Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna & Karnaphuli systems (India, Bangladesh, Nepal)	Endangered & Schedule I	Known as “Susu” National Aquatic Animal (2009) Threats: Pollution, habitat fragmentation, bycatch
Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor)	Indus River (Pakistan), Beas River (India)	Endangered & Schedule I	Among the rarest dolphins Threats: Water diversion, dams, habitat degradation
Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)	Chilika Lake & rivers of South & SE Asia	Endangered & Schedule I	Known for “spy-hopping” behavior Threats: Fishing nets, habitat destruction

Important Conservation Areas

Protected Area	State	Species Protected
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary	Bihar	Ganges River Dolphin (Only dolphin sanctuary in India)
Beas Conservation Reserve	Punjab	Indus River Dolphin

Key Findings of the 1st Survey

Total Dolphins Recorded: 6,327

Ganges River Dolphins: 6,324

• Uttar Pradesh: 2,397
• Bihar: 2,220
• Brahmaputra Basin: 635 dolphins (stable population)

Indus River Dolphin: Only 3 individuals in Beas River (Punjab)

Major Dolphin Hotspots Identified

• Bhind-Pachnada stretch – Chambal River
• Chausa-Manihari stretch – Ganga River

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Second range-wide Dolphin Survey launched
Programme	Project Dolphin
Launched From	Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh
Conducted By	Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Phases	Two-phase nationwide survey
Species Covered	Gangetic, Indus & Irrawaddy Dolphins
Objective	Population update & conservation planning

Question

Q. Project Dolphin is implemented by which ministry?

A. Ministry of Jal Shakti
B. Ministry of Fisheries
C. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
D. Ministry of Science and Technology